Project By: Architect Jack Smith, FAIA
Lot size: 1.87 acres
Project size: 7,600 sq. ft.
Location: Hulen Meadows, Blaine County, ID
Design Team
Jack Smith, FAIA / Architect of Record and Principal Design Architect
Jessica Jellison, AIA / Early Schematic Design Consultation
Ensitio Design, John Montoya, Architect / Project Manager and Construction Documents
LDA Interiors, Susie and David Lucas / Interior Design and Furnishings
Murase Associates, Scott Murase and Mark Tilbe / Landscape Architecture
Collaborators
Shop Engineering, Josh Gliko, PE / Structural Engineer
Butler Associates, Steve Butler, PE / Geotechnical Engineer
E1 / Mechanical Engineer
Integrated Electronic Solutions / Electronic Systems
Elias Construction Company, Adam Elias / General Contractor
QB Corporation / Laminated Wood Beams
Soares Builders, Dave Soares / Architectural Concrete
Dynamic Fenestration and Glass Masters / Glass and Glazing
Greenworks, LLC, John Reuter / Energy Analysis
Gabe Border / Photographer
This relatively large house has only two bedroom suites and one guest room which doubles as a meditation and yoga room. The large open spaces, made possible with a unique layered beam system, are meant to accommodate large gatherings of people. By layering glue-laminated wood beams at intervals of five feet on center, four layers of six ¾” x 12” beams provide a truss-like action that allows for two-way spans of 60 feet and overhangs of 15 feet. Acting in shear against a through bolt at each five-foot joint, this system acts as a modified Vierendeel truss, greatly reducing the depth-to-span ratio, in this case, a reduction of one-third. This contrasts with a simple truss, which utilizes diagonal elements in conjunction with vertical elements between the truss chords to resolve external loads in tension and compression only.
Board-formed architectural concrete retaining walls extend beyond the house perimeter as planes-in-space and form an architectural entourage, which grounds the house in its natural setting. Custom up-lighting enhances the character of the beams and ceiling. The interior floors are of engineered oak and limestone. The exterior terraces are cut basalt stone.
Since the clients are technologically oriented, some exceptionally advanced automated electronic control and home entertainment systems were installed with an all-in-one integrated system including remote control.
The house is heated by direct solar gain and a dual system of hydronic radiant and forced air. It is cooled by natural ventilation and chilled forced air. A large photovoltaic array is positioned on the roof which helps to mitigate energy use.
